The 21st Annual Rosewood Rodeo went off without a hitch, galloping into Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 4 with heart, horsepower, and a whole lot of cowboy grit.
Twenty-eight equine therapy riders displayed horsemanship skills they developed throughout the year at Rosewood Ranch. Located five miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities.
“No matter how many years the equine therapy riders have been involved, there’s always renewed excitement for the Rodeo,” said Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “That’s the biggest thing that gets to me. They work toward it every year and there’s always the excitement for competition come Rodeo day.”
Riding experience and abilities covered the gamut at this year’s Rodeo. Amy Wigren competed in only her second Rodeo, after her initial appearance eight years earlier. That was in contrast to Josh Trimmer, who has competed in every Rosewood Rodeo, since it began in 2005, along with Robin Bethel and Shaun Ledesma who have each missed only one Rodeo during that span.
Joining the most seasoned and novice riders were Rodeo teammates Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Logan Gregg, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, DJ Johnson, Rita Mestas, Tyler Michaelis, Kaleb Nixon, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, Jim West and Jim Wonsetler.
In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Equine Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the Rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s Rodeo were Collin Duncan, Shawn Minor, Landon Titsworth, and Faith Schneweis-Trickey.
Therapy horses participating in this year’s Rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and Mr. Red. All of them have at least four years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.
Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made their appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the Rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.
Other events throughout the day added to the Rodeo experience. They included two performances by the all-female horse-riding drill team, “The American Freedom Riders.” Day Services Team won a staff competition against the Residential Services and Administration Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money, with proceeds from the auction going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio and Retail locations. A photo booth, games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase during the Rodeo.
Awards were presented to Tori Rose for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Keith Boyer was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Pam Babcock won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award.
Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability.
During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. Awards were also presented for showmanship.
Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Cierra Roberts, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – Tori Rose, Keith Boyer, Shaun Ledesma; High Point Horsemanship – Amy Wigren, Robin Bethel, Jim Wonsetler; Reserve Horsemanship – Taylor Hertach, Codie Hardie, Chris Devine; High Point Showmanship – Chris Devine; and Reserve Showmanship – Crystal Alkire.
This year’s Rodeo was sponsored by 20 businesses: Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleep Source; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Office Products Inc.; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Fuller Industries; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; MPIRE Companies; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; G-B Tires; and Price & Sons Construction. Approximately 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo Chairman Anna Hammond.
“As the saying goes, this isn’t our first Rodeo,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “But each year, the success of our special day comes down to the commitment of so many people, from the riders to the volunteers; to friends, families and supporters; to donors and sponsors of our event that showcases the folks from our award-winning equine therapy program at Rosewood Ranch. Thank you to everyone who did their part this year to create cherished memories for our Rosewood Rodeo participants and their families. Your support means so much to them, and to all of us at Rosewood Services.”
